THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: February 6, 2024

WASP – Helldorado

February 6, 2024 /

The one thing about Wasp is that they have continued to put out albums when all others fell by the wayside. Sure, there have been a few hiccups and line up changes along the way but Blackie is still fronting the machine. This was album number eight and was originally released in ’99, which was past their prime years but nevertheless it is still a solid hard rockin’ record.

This is a reissue through the Madfish label and the mix isn’t the best if I’m honest, especially the drums. They sound a tad muffled, like they are coming from the next room. As well as Blackie, OG member Chris Holmes was still in the band at this point, although he would depart after the next release. Out of the ten tracks on offer here my favourites are Damnation Angels, Can’t Die Tonight, and Saturday Night Cock Fight. All of which are good enough to be classed as prime WASP tunes.

Once you get behind the shock rock gimmicks of blood and cheese graters, Blackie is not bad at writing a good tune.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

THE BITES – SQUEEZE

February 6, 2024 /

I’ve mentioned quite a lot that sometimes music is just meant to entertain and not change the world. Well, this is just one of those albums and The Bites are one of those bands.

They are equal parts AC/DC, Sunset Strip Glam, and a huge injection of rock ‘n roll attitude. The Bites are here to inject some fun back into a jaded music scene. Well, if the idea of this album was to transport you back with a wave of nostalgia then they have succeeded big time.

I love this album because it reminds of those Friday nights where it was time to head out have a good time with some good tunes. It’s just a great, fun listen. My favourite track is the opener Knockin’ On The Door as it just sets the tone for the whole album. It’s a fun, kick ass rock n’ roll tune which is basically what the whole album is.

If you are missing those late eighties vibes then you need to get The Bites in your life.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

DEREK SHERINIAN – The Phoenix

February 6, 2024 /

I love Derek’s solo albums because they are always loaded up with killer guitar players to compliment and dual with his keyboard virtuosity. This album is no exception as we have spanking the plank, Zakk Wylde, Bumblefoot, Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, and Kiko Loureiro. If you love heavy instrumental music with a hint of Prog and a dose of fusion, then you should be all over this release.

The title track opens up the record with Derek doing his best EVH impression on the keys and Zakk giving it the beans on geetar. Empyrean Sky has an evil low end grunt and groove that sounds killer. The vibe is very 70’s fusion. Clouds Of Ganymede let’s Steve Vai loose with a slowed down groove and feel that only he can do. Dragonfly is a cool fusion piano piece with a killer drum and bass accompaniment from Simon Phillips and Ernest Tibbs.

Side 2 blows open with Temple Of Helios. Again, a fusion groove with a cool keyboard riff and Bumblefoot trading licks. Them Changes sees Derek joined by his BCC bandmate Joe Bo on the axe with some heavy R’n’B vocals. Octopus Pedigree again has Bumblefoot on guitar and it’s a return for the deep low end groove. The album ends with Pesadelo, the heaviest tune on the record and my favourite. It has a killer off time groove with Kiko really flying, with some awesome playing.

As usual, Derek does not disappoint and delivers a top notch release.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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